Barium Swallow
Reviewed
A barium swallow is an imaging test that uses a barium liquid and X-rays to check for problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the throat, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Preparation and collection
You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) after midnight on the night before the test. Avoid smoking, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candy. Tell your provider about all medicines you take, as some may need to be stopped. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- The test provides images, not a definitive diagnosis; further testing may be needed.
- Radiation exposure is small but cumulative; inform your provider of recent X-rays.
- Barium may cause constipation; contact your provider if persistent.
- Allergic reaction to barium is possible but rare.
- The test is not recommended during pregnancy.
What to do next
Consult with your healthcare provider to understand your results in the context of your overall health. Your provider may consider your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other tests. If an abnormal finding is suggestive of cancer, an esophagoscopy (with possible biopsy) may be performed.